Men don’t know how easy that have it. While curling my hair, this message appeared on my Apple watch, “Looks like you’re working out. Record workout?” Unfortunately, “Curling Hair” isn’t on the list with Walking, Swimming, Running, etc. But thank you Apple for acknowledging the effort.

Along with the physical investment getting ready in the morning, there’s equipment and products that, if left unchecked, can overtake the bathroom cabinets and counter. Without suitable set-up and maintenance, it can be frustrating to find and access things you need amongst those you don’t. Let’s look at three steps to streamline your bathroom space and routine.

Timely Tips to get your bathroom in shape

Photo by Nataliya Vaitkevich (Pexels.com)

Step 1—PURGE
Yes, it’s always step one. There are no-brainers like empty toothpaste tubes, unpackaged cotton balls in hair-lined drawers, broken hair clips, used tissues, etc. Toss them and other obvious trash.

Then, there are the hair, make up, and skin products you purchased two years ago, stopped using, but haven’t tossed because you spent so much money on them. Toss them too. Remember, you’re choosing between having the space they occupy and being reminded of the wasted money each time you bypass those products for the ones you currently use.

Hair equipment tends to cycle in phases—hot rollers, crimpers, curling irons, flat irons, wands, etc. At my house, the hot rollers keep coming back, while a crimper not so much. Let go of the equipment that does things to hair that you don’t want to ever do again. Separate what you’re currently using from things you might want to cycle back to.

Determine a reasonable criterion for keeping beauty gadgets. Does it live up to its promise? Do you use it regularly? If not often, is it earning its keep for the space it’s occupying?

If you discover you have an abundance of backup supplies, consider sharing some with a homeless shelter.

Step 2—CREATE HOMES
Clean the drawers, shelves, counters, under the sink, and organizing containers. Group things you’re keeping into categories—hair, make up, skin, tooth supplies, etc.

If drawer and cabinet space is limited, consider an over-the toilet shelving unit or cabinet. This is a great spot for feminine products and extra toilet paper. Over-the-door organizers can hold frequently used supplies. There are wall mount racks to store clean rolled towels and glass wall shelves that can hold and display perfumes and skincare products. A slim rolling cart can store frequently used items and be rolled to a corner when not in use.

From each category pull the items you use daily or at least multiple times per week. These items deserve prime real estate—top drawers and/or an acrylic organizer that can be used on the counter and then stored in a cabinet when not in use. Use drawer dividers and designate a home for each item.

Store less-used items in lower drawers or add drawers under the sink or in cabinets for easy access. Keep categories defined by separating them in labeled containers.

Assign your back-up supplies a specific place/container so you know where to look before purchasing more.

Step 3—MAINTAIN
Repeat after me, “Don’t put it down, put it away.” This is huge. Once your space is organized, take a mental (or real) picture and decide that when you leave the bathroom each morning, that is how it will look. When everything has a home and you do it daily, it’s only a two-minute job at most.

Organizing is never a one-and-done project. New things will come into the bathroom, others will stop being used, and things will get messy. Whenever you notice your storage areas getting cramped or counters getting cluttered, it’s time for a tune-up. You may not get Apple Watch workout credits, but you will benefit when your bathroom’s in good shape.